Northern lights aurora in Missouri
Because of a massive solar storm recently, folks in the Ozarks were able to experience the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are typically visible in regions closer to the Arctic, such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. It's quite rare for them to be seen as far south as Missouri. However, during a recent strong solar storm the aurora was visible by from locations much further south than usual - like here in the Ozarks!
Predicting Northern Lights in Missouri
These events are unpredictable, but when they occur, they tend to be during periods of high solar activity, which follows an approximately 11-year cycle. The current solar cycle, Cycle 25, is expected to peak around 2025, which could increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Missouri around that time.
About the Author
Meet Richard Harris. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of ScopeTrader, with over 30 years of experience in observational astronomy and astrophotography. He serves as the director of the Ozark Hills Observatory, where his research and imagery have been featured in scientific textbooks, academic publications, and educational media. Among his theoretical contributions is a cosmological proposition known as The Harris Paradox, which explores deep-field observational symmetry and time-invariant structures in cosmic evolution. A committed citizen scientist, Harris is actively involved with the Springfield Astronomical Society, the Amateur Astronomers Association, the Astronomical League, and the International Dark-Sky Association. He is a strong advocate for reducing light pollution and enhancing public understanding of the cosmos. In 2001, Harris developed the German Equatorial HyperTune—a precision mechanical enhancement for equatorial telescope mounts that has since become a global standard among amateur and professional astronomers seeking improved tracking and imaging performance. Beyond the observatory, Harris is a serial entrepreneur and founder of several technology ventures, including Moonbeam® (a software company), App Developer Magazine (a leading industry publication for software developers), Chirp GPS (a widely used mobile tracking application), MarketByte, and other startups spanning software, mobile, and cloud-based technologies. Driven by both scientific curiosity and creative innovation, Harris continues to blend the frontiers of astronomy and technology, inspiring others to explore the universe and rethink the possibilities within it. When he's not taking photos of our universe, you can find him with family, playing guitar, or traveling.
